Auctions | November 21, 2011

NBA Vintage Books, Atlases & Ephemera

[ITHACA, NY] National Book Auctions, located in Ithaca, NY, will host a Sunday, December 4th auction featuring a broad range of rare antique and vintage books, as well as a fine array of atlases and ephemera. This auction will also contain a large, handsome personal library of scholarly books relating to ocean liner history, interior design, art history and gardening. The books in this collection are impressive both for their
quality and condition.

Many of the atlases being offered are important titles from the arena of nineteenth century cartography. Leading the list is H. S. Tanner’s “A New Universal Atlas Containing Maps of the Various Empires, Kingdoms, States and Republics of the World,” printed in 1844.  Additional notable atlases include William M. Bradley and Company’s 1896 “Atlas of the World for Commercial and Library Reference” and several Mitchell publishings.

Featured books include a number of antique titles dating back to the 1600’s and other important early printings, many of which are housed in fancy leather bindings.  Highlights include William Bosworth’s “Chast and Lost Lovers,” printed in 1651 and the 1760 printing of Plautus’ “Comoediae.”  Additionally offered is an interesting atlas volume including original antique photographic plates of the lunar surface, taken from Paris as part of a scientific study.

Offered over a number of lots will be a personal collection of vintage and antique literary and historical titles from the state of New Hampshire. Antique titles include local histories, while many of the literary and other titles are author-signed. Landmark literary works include a handsomely bound first edition of Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and many lots which offer original works by noted nineteenth and twentieth century poets.  Several of these lots also include titles which are author-signed.

Found throughout this auction will be pleasing groups of ephemera, including many lots of antique postcards. The postcard collection is highlighted by a quantity of examples from Cuba, which are offered over several lots.

National Book Auctions is a public auction service specializing in books, ephemera, and art. National Book Auctions is a targeted service offering experience and expertise unique to marketing antique and modern books and ephemera for consignors and collectors alike. Preview for the upcoming Sunday, December 4th auction is at 10 a.m. and the live auction starts at noon. For more information or to consign collectible material please contact David Hall, Business Manager, at 607-269-0101 or email mail@nationalbookauctions.com.